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Brandi Davis-Handy in February became president of AES Indiana, the Indianapolis-based utility that serves electricity to about a half million people in central Indiana. She previously worked as the chief customer officer for AES U.S. utilities covering Indiana and Ohio. Davis-Handy is board president of GangGang, which organizes Butter, a multiday fine art fair. She also serves on the boards of numerous civic and not-for-profit organizations, including Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Indiana, the Indy Chamber and the Indiana Sports Corp.
Favorite thing about being a leader
The ability to lift as you climb. Being a leader is all about developing and creating an environment for others to show up at their best. Being a mentor is so very important and what I love most.
Favorite gadget
My espresso machine. It’s literally what I would grab if there was a fire.
Walk-up song
I spend most of my weekends at baseball tournaments with my 11-year-old son. My favorite walk-up song of the moment is “Pretty Girls Walk Like This.”
Advice for a young person
Know and trust your value and get rid of self-limiting beliefs. It’s so important to understand that everyone’s path is different. Don’t limit your possibilities because you don’t have the same experience as someone else or your path looks different.
Favorite civic contribution
I’m incredibly proud of the work I’ve done with GangGang. I’ve been involved since the beginning. First, as a member of their Advisory Council and now as Board President. AES is title sponsor of Butter: A Fine Art Black Fair. Butter is a multi-day fine art fair that features artwork made by Black visual arts from Indiana and across the country. As described by The New York Times, “BUTTER serves as a new model for economic justice in the arts, aiming to sell or loan 100% of the exhibiting artworks, giving 100% of the proceeds to the artists.” It’s been an incredible experience to see the impact of their work focused on centering the creative economy around artists, musicians and creatives.
Pets
I have a Teddy Bear breed dog named Harmony. There is nothing harmonious about her.•
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